Two years after the Tigray war ended, Eritrean forces continue to occupy southern border regions of Ethiopia. Despite the Pretoria peace agreement mandating withdrawal, these troops remain in place, leaving local inhabitants feeling abandoned amid ongoing tensions. The Tigray conflict resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths and widespread humanitarian issues due to blocked aid and essential services.
Two years following the conclusion of Ethiopia’s Tigray war, the situation along the border regions remains tenuous as Eritrean forces continue to occupy significant territories. Despite the signing of the Pretoria agreements on November 2, 2022, which aimed to cease hostilities between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Eritrea, fighting alongside Ethiopian federal troops, did not withdraw its forces from the disputed areas as stipulated by the peace accords. Residents in these regions report feelings of abandonment amid the sustained occupation, where Eritrean soldiers impose their authority over local populations. The Tigray conflict, which erupted in November 2020, has had devastating consequences, leading to an estimated death toll of 600,000, according to the African Union’s envoy for the Horn of Africa. Humanitarian assistance was largely obstructed by federal authorities, who also suspended essential services such as banking, telecommunications, and air transport. Notably, key players like the Amhara militias and the Eritrean military were excluded from the negotiations at Pretoria, which has complicated the restoration of peace and stability in the region. As the two-year anniversary of the peace agreement approaches, the continued presence of Eritrean forces not only complicates the security situation but also erodes trust among local communities seeking relief and support after years of conflict. The peace deal firmly called for the withdrawal of foreign troops but has so far failed to manifest this process, thereby prolonging the struggle for the people affected by the war.
The Tigray war commenced in November 2020 and involved intense fighting between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The conflict escalated into a humanitarian crisis, with key interventions blocked and vital services suspended, exacerbating the suffering of millions. The Pretoria agreements signed in November 2022 were intended to pave the way for peace, yet the lack of withdrawal of Eritrean forces has resulted in ongoing tensions and a sense of abandonment among those in occupied regions. The international community continues to observe the situation with concern, as the implications extend beyond Ethiopia into regional stability.
In summary, two years after the signing of the Pretoria peace agreements, Eritrean forces remain active within contested border regions of Ethiopia, defying the stipulated withdrawal. The situation underscores the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the aftermath of a devastating conflict that claimed countless lives and left many citizens feeling forsaken. The absence of foreign military withdrawal, coupled with the exclusion of certain factions from negotiations, perpetuates the precarious condition of security and humanitarian relief in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
